Qatar Labor Law: What we learnt from the press conference
The Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to announce proposed changes to the existing labor system.
Firstly, the press conference did not announce changes, but their proposals for the changes in the labor law. This means nothing is set in stone as of now. The officials also failed to give a timeline in which the proposed changes will come into effect.
The officials from the MOI in the panel yesterday only represented the executive assembly of the country's governing system. The proposed changes from the executive assembly will be forwarded to the legislative assembly (Majlis as-Shura).
So one should ask why there was not a single member reprensenting the legislative assembly at the press conference?
The main changes proposed by the executive assembly to the legislative assembly
-The laws for entry, residence and exit of expats will be changed.
-The Kafala system will be abolished.
-The existing system will be replaced with a contractual system between employer and employee regulated by the state.
-The exit permit will be replaced with an automated system regulated by the state.
Apart from the above mentioned key points, MOI officials also said that employers found violating laws like confiscating employee passports will be penalized heavily.
You may also work two jobs, but then again, you need the permission from your primary employer.
What did we initially expect?
We expected the officials to announce that a law has been passed to put the above-mentioned changes into effect. However, the press conference turned out to be just a meagre announcement for changes they hope to see in the future. We at least expected them to completely remove the exit permit system, let alone abolish or change the whole Kafala system.
As it stands now, the exit permit system will continue to haunt us. The proposed changes only take away control from the employers from letting their employees leave the country, but it seems that the state will still consult with the employer before approving exit permits.
Let's be positive
This initiative from the government, nevertheless, is a major step toward change. With the heaping pressure from foreign organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, we can be hopeful that Qatar will bring major changes in the current labor laws governing the expatriate community.
Now it's in the hands of the legislative assembly. Let's wait and see what they can do.
Written by Mohammed Noorudeen | Photo by Klent Real from QL Flickr
Qatar Living cover images by Mohammed Noorudeen
Same old shit on different day....
ok i am the authority here so what i say plz listen carefully.
You chain is still in your neck ,the only difference which you will find is that the other end of chain is handed over from ur kafeel to government.Thanks for the time
@dumar: you cant blame Qataris they allow expats to come & run your business..
Dumar , So where should the public go from now onwards , Aust, NewZea or Can ? .............. Sun ,18.05.2014 , 08.31 hrs
that's all rubbish and useless i am sure there is nothing change bcoz Qataris want slaves
In the end these proposals will remain as proposals, good luck expatriates, lets forget that none of these proposals existed and think of it as plans only no further actions needed before 2022...Just my thoughts.
Fri , 16.05.2014 , 08.33 hrs
If there 's no wound then where to apply the balm ! ........................................
Guess there will be another press conference in May next year declaring that the proposed amendments in labor laws are under review ;)
Qatar promised to make a new law for domestic violence. That was 2008... And until now? Nothing. Don't hold your breath for these changes.
We hope FIFA World Cup 2022 should change their venue to another country "IF NO CHANGES" to the Qatari system!
The question is when these proposals will put into law? No one knows when.....
i'm very optimistic about the new proposals, especially when it comes to scrapping the 2 years ban from returning to Qatar, for example if your contract is indefinite and you found a better job you can always resign and settle your finances with the bank and telecom company leave the country and come back as soon as u can with a work visa under new employer.
when it comes to exit permits you won't find any problems getting it if you're going on your annual holidays, it's only hard if you quit your job, still have a loan and want to leave the country for good.
people can still con banks and run away with the money, all they have to say is they are going on annual leave and never come back, BTW all loans are insured so the insurance company that will pay your loan, under the new proposals your employer will take no responsibility when u run away with the banks money.
in my opinion the legislative assembly will approve the new proposals straight away, especially after FIFA's Sep Blatter positive tweet congratulating Qatar for the new labor law changes.
And also included the law Local Contract to Overseas , expiratites working in local contract nothing will get it. no Housing allowance, no school fees..etc only basis salary.
Always HR department telling that 'No You are Local Contract", this system must be changed who sponsored by corporation /Gov. they must treated as a Overseas Contract.
title: Qatar Labor Law: What we learnt from the press conference
answer: NOTHING.
Nothing new. Nothing changed. Nothing will be changed.
guys the NOC system also applicable for House driver visa's to who come under the sponsorship of qataries!!!!!!!!! am right?
talk is sooo cheap. who knows if any of these proposals even make it to law. sounds pessimistic but it would be wise not to get your hopes up.
in addition to the dhawood1982 's point suppose some on has open contract or “indefinite” contract its obvious that he/she only can change the job after 5 year suppose he/she leave for good then how long they will be banned its again 5 year or 2 years or what? But again law said the two year ban is lifted so whats the point of making 5 years for indefinite contract if the 2 years ban has been lifted then anyone can exit and come back at anytime. Why they will wait till 5 year to change the job. It’s so confusing ?
There area so many confusions with the new amendment,
1. the new law says the employee has to apply EXIT permit directly to MOI 72 hours (3 days) before his scheduled to leave the country, bcz they want to check whether the applicant has any violations, criminal offence, or any case against him. under this circumstances, if he wants to exit country withing few hours, how it is possible, so every one whould wait for 3 days - conclusion , the old law is most better.
Note:under the new rules, Still employee need approval from employer at the time of leaving for good
2. If the contract is "limited" then any one can change their profession at the end of the contract period, it is sounds food. if it is "unlimited" he has to complete 5 years wit his existing employer, here the questions are, a) if he wants to change his job with 5 years what is the rules now? b)Still he needs the NOC to change job with in 5 years of term under "unlimited Contract" ? c)if he cancelled his visa before before completing 5 years and he go back to his home country, now can he come back with in 6 month or after 6 month or after 2 years?
same old sh*t... nuthin new
expect it will follow by Qatar government .
No, Because he is not using his gloves which are lying there , MM knows safety rules. .................. Thu , 15.05.2014 , 11.40 hrs
MM...is that you in the picture
Pic shows people are happy at work , being positive is the key to your job satisfaction .............. ...... Thu , 15.05.2014 , 11.15 hrs
So nothing new !!!!!!